Prominent Chicago businessman and philanthropist, James Crown, sadly dies in a tragic car crash at the Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek, Colorado on Sunday.
A devoted leader, both in business and the civic community, Crown’s death at 70 has left an irreplaceable void in the heart of Chicago.
James Crown, famed for his leadership at the family business, Henry Crown & Co., and his role as a managing partner at Aspen Skiing Co., died on his 70th birthday while racing on a Colorado racetrack.
As a passionate racer, he met his untimely demise after failing to negotiate a turn and colliding with an impact barrier.
James Crown Dies :Tragic Loss to Chicago’s Business and Civic Community
James Crown was known for his unwavering dedication to Chicago’s development.
A member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, he was instrumental in committing himself and other corporate leaders to finding jobs for up to 10,000 young men from high-crime areas of the city.
His initiative exemplified his devotion to reducing violent crime, setting a goal to curtail the number of killings in Chicago to below 400 per year within five years.